Monodisperse α-Fe 2 O 3 deep-submicron spheres of about 200nm in diameter were successfully synthesized by a facile hydrothermal process based on a Fe(OH) 3 precursor without using any complexing agents, surfactants or templates. The α-Fe 2 O 3 deep-submicron spheres were investigated with X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscope and electrochemical tests toward lithium storage. For comparison, properties of commercial Fe 2 O 3 were also investigated in this paper. It was found that the as-obtained α-Fe 2 O 3 showed a high initial reversible capacity of 1681 mAh g −1 and the specific capacity remained 1167 mAh g −1 after 30 cycles at a current density of 150mAg −1 . However, the reversible capacity of the commercial Fe 2 O 3 particles faded to 370 mAh g −1 immediately and then gradually decreased to 263 mAh g −1 after 30 cycles.